Every man counts when Tigers go on the prowl

As Bangladesh approach the end of their group matches, a feature that stood out in their three wins so far is that none were dependent merely on their two key players — Shakib-Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Nilankur Das reports.

As Bangladesh approach the end of their group matches, a feature that stood out in their three wins so far is that none were dependent merely on their two key players — Shakib-Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.

Tamim was named the Man-of-the-Match against Ireland and the opener was pleasantly surprised as the match-winning effort had come from medium-pacer Shafiul Islam.

When Shakib got out against England, it sparked a batting collapse. But Shafiul and Mahmudullah played a blinder to record a win for the hosts in Chittagong.

With Tamim getting out for a duck, Imrul Kayes thoroughly deserved the Man-of-the-Match award for his unbeaten knock against the Netherlands.

Imrul, Junaid Siddique, Shafiul, Raqibul Hasan and even Shahriar Nafees and Shurawadi Shuvo, who have played just one match, have stood up and delivered whenever they got the chance.

"I always felt that for a team like ours we need contributions from four or five to win a match. You will find in other teams it is enough for just two or three players to perform and they can win. That's not the case with us," Tamim said on Thursday.

Coach Jamie Siddons felt the team is still low on experience at the highest level and these set of boys if nurtured well could be at their peak in the next World Cup.

"We are two or three years early for this World Cup. These guys will be at their peak in the next World Cup and that will be exciting. If we play the quarter-finals this time, this group would have done the job," Siddons told HT.

"That's why I keep saying that even if I am not here after the World Cup the next coach who takes charge needs to understand this group. They will be fantastic in four years time. Obviously there will be a couple of changes but then if you keep changing the squad you will not have success, especially here," he added.

The coach also acknowledged that this World Cup has been collective efforts.

"It's been about overall contributions. That Tamim and Shakib are the reasons why we win games have now been proven very wrong. It's an all round performance going on here and everyone needs to acknowledge that," the Australian said.